_WHAT’S HAPPENING_

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement on August 7, creating a new trilateral security pact in the Middle East.

President Trump praised the pact, as the alliance brings together Turkey's second-largest NATO army, Pakistan's nuclear arsenal, and Saudi Arabia's vast wealth.

_THE FACTS_

  • President Trump said he was “very happy” about the new pact, adding, “This is a big, bold, and important first step — wow!”

  • The three signatories agreed that an attack on any member "shall be regarded as an attack against them all.” This mirrors NATO’s Article V agreement.

  • Turkey's foreign minister predicted Egypt would join at "the next stage."

  • The pact formalizes Pakistan's nuclear umbrella for Saudi Arabia, which lacks atomic weapons of its own.

  • Saudi Arabia and Pakistan already have a defense agreement that saw Islamabad deploy 8,000 troops, fighter jets, and air defense systems to the kingdom during the Iran war.

  • The Iran-backed Houthis fired on a Saudi Aramco refinery after the signing ceremony; neither Turkey nor Pakistan was called upon to respond.

  • Pakistan's Defense Minister called Israel "a threat to the entire Muslim world" and advocated for "a united military front" against it.

  • The UAE, a close Israeli partner, has not been invited to join and is not expected to participate due to rivalries with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

_OUR TAKE_

The Mecca Agreement reflects a fundamental shift away from the US-led regional order that has existed since the 1970s, and goes to show just how rapidly the region is changing. The pact is a direct challenge to Israel’s standing in the region because it creates a rival power center that intentionally sits outside the Abraham Accords framework.

So, why did Trump endorse the pact? The main reason is that these three countries are positioned against Iran and act as a counterbalance, and the president also stated that it will reduce the US military burden in the region.

See more Upward News in Google: add us as a preferred source

Reply

Avatar

or to participate

Avatar

Tracey Powers 2 months ago

No. Any pact that weakens our alliance with Israel is dangerous. Look at the Old Testament kings who made alliances with ungodly nations that undermined their own country. It didn't end well. Praying for true godly wisdom for President Trump to do what is right in God's eyes.

Avatar

Laney B2 months ago

"Support" isn't the word I'd use, but students of the Bible know these evil Alliances will take place for a higher purpose. Israel will be left on its own before it's all over, but their Rescuer will show Himself faithful. (I recognize Bible-rejection is common, because I once was among you)

Avatar

Mary Verkuilen2 months ago

No, I don't. I think the Abraham Accords is the way to go b/c Israel is included in the mix. I think Turkey should be kicked out of NATO. The Arabs won't rest until Israel is destroyed (it isn't Israel who is committing genocide) and the entire Middle East is an Islamist caliphate. Once Israel is destroyed they can continue colonizing the rest of the world. They've already started it via mass migrations.

Avatar

Dennis Horak2 months ago

This sounds like just like part of the eventual build up of nations as a partial fulfillment of biblical prophesy to finally go after Israel later on in the future. How real the bible is and the players of all this probably aren't fully aware of what they are doing in the big picture.

Avatar

Fred Scott2 months ago

I'm NOT a fan of this agreement! I have no trust in Turkey's or Pakistan's leadership or motives. Saudi Arabia is still in question. The first appearance is just another coalition to remove or destroy Israel, similar to the 1948 and 1967 conflicts.

Avatar

Jim Powers2 months ago

It's a good stand against Iran but that's where it ends. Anything standing against Israel is no good.

Avatar

Shaun Hurrie2 months ago

Can't say I do. There may be some short term benefit, but long term it is simply 3 islamist countries with a pact against Israel & ultimately the free world. Nothing Islamists do is trustworthy & without deception - Shaun Hurrie

Avatar

Greg Davis2 months ago

No! Very dangerous! Creates conditions that will support aggression by terrorist states with the backing of a nuclear power. Very suspect and dangerous. I believe Trump is wrong. The wind Changes very easily in the Region.

Avatar

Bernie Peer2 months ago

No, their purpose is against Israel , not to support the United States. This may back fire and they attack Israel then what will we do? It looks like pre WW1. Apparently history repeats itself faster than you think. Man is depraved

Avatar

Bob Hrebec2 months ago

The members are first and for most Islamist. They may not be the crazy Shia sect but they're still Islamist. They don't much like Jews or Christians..... it won't end well.

Avatar

Alison Green2 months ago(edited)

I agree with the pact as a counter to Iran. I worry about its intentions regarding Israel.

Avatar

Steve Fredricks 2 months ago

Not at all!

Avatar

Jim Powers 2 months ago

I don’t know. I trust Trump. He has information and insight not available to the rest of us.

Avatar

Roger Kirkpatrick2 months ago

Even with the President’s justification for such a Muslim coalition, most Americans will look at this group with skepticism and alarm!

Avatar

Terry McCall2 months ago

Unsure, Trump emphasizes the importance of national sovereignty for every country but it also seems that at some point that pact could be turned against Israel and is not in alignment with the Abraham Accords.

Avatar

Photo Man2 months ago

"...Trump emphasizes the importance of national sovereignty for every country..." = He sure does not treat Canada as such!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am thinking that Trump who loves to make a deal, thinks they are all a great deal, when in reality they all certainly are not. Looks like this one qualifies in the 'not' list.

Avatar

Michael H.2 months ago

I can see this pact being very beneficial for the parties involved as well as their neighboring countries. I am skeptical of the group's anti-Israel tendencies. My hope is that the Abraham accords will help smooth over those relations. But, overal, having another alliance that will stand against Iran is definitely a good thing

Avatar

WILLIAM MCKENZIR2 months ago

These islamist countries will join forces agaist Israel and the true God, the Trinity.

Avatar

Linda Masson2 months ago

Anything that stops Iran from taking over the world is a positive step. I trust President Trump. He knows more about the whole picture than I do!

Avatar

James G.2 months ago

It’s the Middle East! Soooooo, who the hell knows? That area of the planet had been unstable for tens of thousands of years. I just look at the results and ignore the chatter. Ooooo! ‘They’ signed another ‘agreement.’ Whoopie!

Next…

Avatar

WILLIAM MCKENZIR2 months ago

I do not. This is an enormous mistake and a serious threat to Israel.

Avatar

Than Johnson2 months ago

Yes as long as it works cooperative with US in surrounding Iran and its terrorist partners . Hopefully, Egypt will consider joining. The major challenge is the future relationship these countries have with Israel? Hopefully Israel will enter into negotiations with these countries and define borders and security as we move into a business competition era rather than religious/terrorist conflict. Than

Keep reading

View more
caret-right